Copper is a Family of Alloys

For many applications, properties of copper can be readily customized. This is achieved by alloying: making a new metal out of two or more different metals. The most well-known copper alloy families are brass (copper-zinc), bronze (copper-tin) and copper-nickel. These actually represent families of alloys, all made by varying the amount of specific alloying elements. Alloys can be made to achieve certain colors, improve strength or corrosion resistance, improve forming or joining properties, or achieve any number of specific demands that the individual elements can't achieve on their own. By combining copper with other metals and adjusting the percentages, alloys are made to fit almost any application.